The Hurt Locker, Part Two is the fifth episode of Glee'ssixth season and the one hundred and thirteenth episode overall. It aired on January 30, 2015.

This episode has been written by Ian Brennan and directed by Barbara Brown.

After Sue’s “informal” Show Choir Invitational has already begun, she announces several rules, including that all teams must have at least twelve members (which New Directions does not) and the competition – which will extend over a three day period – will move forward even in the unlikely event that some of the coaches get kidnapped. Rachel and Kurt redouble their efforts to recruit enough members to allow New Directions to participate, and to put together a performance that doesn’t totally humiliate the team. Despite Rachel’s objections, Kurt suggests they enlist former gleek Kitty to help them out, a prospect that will require Rachel to swallow her pride, but that leads to Kitty’s invaluable help in putting together the perfect set list and uniting the team. Meanwhile, Sue – who is still determined to see Kurt and Blaine reunite – pulls out all the stops to enact an elaborate plan; Sam works to recruit Spencer to join the Glee Club, but the gay, aspiring quarterback worries doing so may cost him his standing among the other jocks; and Will and Rachel have a much needed heart-to-heart.

Contents

Plot

As Vocal Adrenaline walk offstage, Sue comes on and comments on their performance, the New Directions looking exasperated. She informs them that she’ll be the judge for the Invitationals, the theme is “old-school” and that they’ll be performing over the course of 3-days. She continues, that she’s giving ND time to recruit 12 members, being the only rule that they seem to remember. Kurt speaks up, saying they should boycott it, but Sue notifies him that it will go on, foreshadowing Kurt, by saying even if one of them gets kidnapped against their will. Kurt looks terrified, as Sue walks off. Rachel goes to Will, saying they had a deal, but he didn’t stick to it. He sarcastically says he didn’t agree to that, and advises her to bet him on their own terms, to which she repeats, as he walks away. Kurt goes to her, and Rachel instructs him that they need to recruit new members or they’ll be humiliated. He asks her to recruit Kitty, Rachel protesting, saying that she and the other old members hated her, because she didn’t know their names, saying she was awful to them. He tells her that they must, and will be beside her. In the distance, Sue watches them.

That night, in Breadstix, Walter talk to Kurt about how he saw someone give birth on the table across from them. Kurt, in voiceover, says how he’s funny, smart and good looking, being in a dilemma about how Walter doesn’t know if they are on a date or just friends. He asks him if it is a date (after briefly stating how he must not say that) and tells him that they are on a date. Sue comes up to them, wearing the Breadstix uniform, wearing a picture of Blaine and Kurt hugging, from when he was Prom Queen. Kurt, frustrated tries to ignore her, as she lies about how she needs to help Kurt with his grandfather, referring to Walter. Walter interrupts, stating how he can hear her. Sue sticks a badge, with the word “KLAINE,” to his jacket, giving menus to them. Kurt apologises to him, but Walter states how she’s hilarious, saying nothing bothers him. He asks Sue how old she is, to which she replies bitterly 34, and walks away, stating she’s getting a pillow for him, Kurt looking happy.

Back in Sue’s hurt locker, Sue shows Becky videos of Blaine and Kurt over the years, by spying on them. She talks about they have love that is unimaginable. Becky questions where she got all the footage, one of them being a dream sequence. Sue tells her to shut up, but Becky insists that they don’t like each other anymore. Sue, oblivious, says she has much more to learn, to which Becky retorts that she has a hot boyfriend. Sue tells her to look at how they are so good together, insulting David. She plans to put them in a confined area, so they become together again.

The following day, Kitty walks in the hallway. Rachel comes from behind her, talking fast as she lists things she knows about Kitty, in hoping to recruit Kitty. Kitty states how if she’s trying to get with her, she believes that the world is rooting for her and Quinn and states how she knows that she’s using her to join the glee club. Rachel agrees. Kitty states how she’s a relatively selfish person, never asking others of what they think, but when she does, it's about her. Kitty states why she joined the club, because she knew Will was a kind person and that the people in the club would be with her, despite her reputation. Kitty states how Rachel will go away, once she goes back. Kitty walks away, yet Rachel pursues her, saying how she needs her, and that her energy, her attitude and will of performing, is needed. Kitty states how she did love it, starting to cry. Rachel continues, saying even though Santana was a bit rude, they need a top-bitch in the club. Kitty begins to tell how she put everything in the club, and the only reason she’s still there, is because Sue needed her for cheerios. She expresses how she doesn’t want to feel the pain again. Rachel begins to tell how she’s not leaving till the club is back permanently, giving her her word.

Blaine walks out from the faculty bathroom, bumping in to Kurt. Kurt states how the Warblers are about to go on and why he isn't with them, to which Blaine replies how he always wanted to use the faculty bathroom. Kurt decides to walk with Blaine, who agrees, and stumble on a sign, saying their’s a new elevator to the auditorium. They walk to it, and go inside. Kurt asks if he’s excited to see the performance, and states how the ND will get there. Blaine stumbles on a boys bathroom inside the elevator, Kurt stating how their not moving. They both press the buttons and try to pry open the doors, failing. The elevator dims, Kurt realising its not a real elevator.

In the auditorium, Sam asks Rachel where Kurt is. Rachel replies how he’s not answering her. Sue, at the stage, states how Blaine is also missing, pushing the Head Warbler away. Sue states how the show must go on. She introduces the Dalton Academy Warblers, where they begin to perform My Sharona. Kitty comes in, watching the performance, as everyone looks annoyed by their choreography. Kitty walks out, as they begin to perform You Spin Me Round (Like A Record), Sam dancing along. At the end of the performance, they applaud, the Warbler’s looking happy. Jane looks to Rachel, where she returns the same look of worry.

In the boy’s locker room, Sue walks in to Sam working, as he looks frightened at first. He stares the locker watch once again, being hypnotised again. Sue states how Operation Break Rachel’s Heart and Sabotage The Glee Club is in motion, Sam asking her if she’s thought of a shorter name. She gives him an assignment to make them perform the song that she gives him, stating how they’ll be the worst, being “Ascension Millennium,”“Dear Mr. Jesus,” and “Justified and Ancient.” He says he will, Sue being impressed by how he’s still under her control.

In the choir room, Rachel files a missing report to Kurt. She states her name, to which the officer recognizes about her show. She states how its rude of him to say she hasn’t taken acting classes before, but he hangs up. Frustrated, Rachel sees Sam walk in, with the setlist. Rachel asks if he’s seen Blaine or Kurt, Sam reassuring her that they must be at “Sheet’s And Things,” planning for their wedding. He ignores when Rachel says they broke up, stating how they’re endgame, like them, and hands her the setlist. She goes through them, saying how she doesn’t know the songs. He states how, as her future husband, she needs him to do that, and tries to kiss her. She backs away, stating how two days before, he stated he wasn’t over Mercedes, calling her a hag. She snaps her fingers, which wakes Sam up. Rachel states how she’s got a lot going on, and states how he’s freaking her out. He apologises to her. She asks him to find new members for the club, as well as telling him that she’s not using that setlist. He goes through them, looking confused. He walks out.

That night, in the elevator, Blaine bangs on the door, Kurt asking him to stop. Blaine asks him to call someone, but Kurt states that his phone is dead. Kurt states to say they need to find a way out, as a compartment in the elevator lifts up, as a doll on a bike comes out. The doll, "JigSue" begins to explain how if they do not kiss, they will stay in the elevator, unless they find another way out. Blaine begins to say how ridiculous it is, and they both fake kiss. JigSue says they need to really kiss, and states that how the area will heat up, forcing them to remove their clothes later on. A heart shaped trolley comes out, explaining about their romance. She wheels away, declaring they must not fight their feelings. They try to open the compartment and fail. They then open the heart-shaped box, scared of what it contains, but it is revealed to be food.

In Rachel’s office, Rachel goes through previous sheet music they covered, trying to find songs for their setlist. Kitty comes in, saying she’s in. Rachel hugs her, as Kitty asks where everyone is. Rachel explains that she’s trying to find a setlist. Kitty states how whether she should say it's sad or adorable, as its what Mr. Schue would do. Rachel says how Sue would hate any song she does. Kitty states she knows where can find a setlist. They go to Sue’s office, and break in to Sue’s office, Kitty reassuring Rachel that she’s cut the camera and alarm wires. They open up Sue’s laptop, Kitty saying she’s just as ruthless as Sue is, and that she bribed Becky for the password. Kitty explains how Sue has a secreted file for a playlist that she’s attached to, once again bribing Becky. They open up the file.

In the boys locker room, Spencer draws on a board, Sam walking in. Sam states how its getting late, at that he should be going, but Spencer replies that he’s planning for quarterback permission. Sam states how he’s not going to be it, because its for leaders. Spencer correctly interprets that Sam is calling a coward. Sam explains how he saw him near the glee club, Spencer looking uncomfortable. Spencer begins to explain if the team saw him with a little bit of interest, his teammates wouldn’t speak with him, but Sam states that times have changed. Spencer states how everything he worked for, will be ruined, but Sam knows he wants to join. Spencer states how they can’t see him for he really is. Sam then explains how he needs to be himself, and believes in him. He tells Spencer how Finn was his friend, a quarterback, looking at the framed shirt, and explains how he changed after joining the glee club. Sam states it will the best thing that will happen to him, Spencer pondering on this.

The following day, Kitty walks in to the choir room, just as Jane, Madison and Mason do. Madison states how she said that she wouldn’t join the club, but Kitty retorts that someone needs to stop her from marrying Mason, them looking shocked. Roderick tells her that their’s an officer in the office, to which Rachel says finally. She walks in to him searching inside the office. She recognises him as the head of Haverbrook School for the Deaf. He states that he was, after their budget got cut again, and that he needed to find another job. She begins to explain, yet he states the same things that she says. He continues how they must have gone to New York, where they belong, unlike her for what she did. He then insults Karofsky. He incorrectly believes that she kidnapped, after her failed pilot and how she has more talented friends. She looks astonished by this. Kitty gives them the new setlist, to which the members complain, but Kitty backs her up, that she knows what she’s doing. Rachel, relieved, says that Sue hated her, and now hates them, but tells them that its not about winning, but to face the bullies. She asks if any of them to quit, to which none of them decide to. Spencer walks in, interrupting, and states that he’s joining them, all of them planning out what they’ll do.

In the fake elevator, Kurt and Blaine discuss the food that from the heart-shaped box, trying to find an escape route, failing, then taking turns to sleep, removing parts of their clothes, as the room gets hotter.

In the auditorium, Rachel speaks to ND, as Will walks up to her. She walks to him, and she apologises to him, saying he was only doing his job, and that she taught him a lot. He lectures her, about how she should be happy with whats happening. He then explains how Sam came to steal his mail, to which they Rachel says she didn’t get Sam to do so. At the same time, they both say Sue’s name. Sue comes in, and tells them to get a move on. Will says she needs to appreciate Sue, too. He leaves, as Rachel smiles.

In the fake elevator, Kurt and Blaine play charades, as they both are happy at what they’re doing. Blaine mentions Karofsky, which ruins Kurt’s mood. JigSue comes in, saying because they’re refusing to kiss, she’s drugging them, to get sexual with each other. If they resist, they’ll die. Blaine states how he wants to get out, Kurt pondering whether they should kiss.

In the auditorium, Sue introduces ND, Sam clapping the loudest. She walks away looking at Kitty. Spencer and Kitty lead It Must Have Been Love, Sue frozen by the song. In the elevator, Kurt and Blaine decide to kiss. Rachel sees Sue’s astonished face. Back in the fake elevator, they tell each other that Sue’s forcing them to kiss, which they do, as ND continue to sing in the background. JigSue lets them go, where the both run to the auditorium. The song finishes as Sue see’s them, knowing they kissed. Kurt talks to Rachel, as realising the setlist changed and Rachel explains that Kitty and Spencer are in the club as Roderick performs Father Figure. Blaine sits with the Warbler’s. Sue realises that they’re performing her favourite songs, having flashbacks of moments that associated with them, the elections being associated to the song. Clint sees Will moving with the song. Mason, Madison and Jane then perform All Out of Love, Sue taking her seat, beginning to cry, singing along and remembering how she tried out for different roles, but failing to get them. Rachel looks at Sam, as he dances to the song, smiling. Kurt and Blaine also look at each other. Clint watches Will smile at the club.

Later, Sue announces the placings, with the Warbler’s coming in 3rd, Vocal Adrenaline coming in 2nd and New Directions coming 1st. Kitty goes to receive the trophy as everyone hugs. Will walks up to Clint, when he sits in the dressing area and explains to him that its not all about winning. Clint says that it is, it means something to him, as he’s a senior, saying he better watch his back. Will, irritated by this, says that he’s his coach and teacher. Clint walks out, saying "we’ll see about that.” Sue walks up to Will, saying she’s not angry at him anymore, but tells him that if he insults her again by leaving a piece of cutlery again, she’ll end him.

The next day, Sue sees Kurt and Blaine in her office, calling them ‘Klaine.” Kurt explains their experience the day before, to which Sue says she doesn’t know what their talking about. Blaine then explains that they’re better as friends, after sharing the time together. Sue says that they should thank her, Blaine doing so, but Kurt saying that he actually shouldn’t. Sue states how she needs to find a new hobby, to get them together.

In the hurt locker once again, Becky and Sue walk in, Sue stating how that its not important to her anymore. Becky states how her plan didn’t work out, but Sue states how she has them where she wants them to be, and tells that she’s planning more.

In the choir room, they place the trophy, Spencer saying it’s barely one, to which Rachel explains its a start. Kitty then talks to them, saying how they won against two of the best show choirs, who worked hard, and went home, disappointed. She states how she may insult them, (insulting them right there), but says how she doesn’t want to hear them say anything bad about them as a team. Roderick then thanks Rachel and Kurt with bringing them together, where she thanks them, and starts to talk about how glee club has changed her (Mason and Madison whispering how Rachel always makes things about herself). Kurt then does the glee tradition, of putting their hands in a circle, shouting amazing, as they lift their hands up.

This is the first episode where we see Madison and Mason without their Cheerios uniform.

Becky breaks the fourth wall by acknowledging Come What May was a dream sequence and there was no possible way Sue could have gotten footage of it.

Cultural References

The miniature puppet of Sue is a parody of the Saw movies. In the Saw movies a similar puppet is used by a killer to reveal to victims how they can rescue themselves, same as uses the puppet to tell Kurt and Blaine how they can free themselves from the elevator. Even the tricycle the puppet rides is a direct homage the the movies.

Kitty refers to Madison and Mason as the "weirds Jaime and Cersei Lannisters" which is a reference to Game of Thrones.

Errors

When Sue talks after Vocal Adrenaline performance the curtain closes behind her, then we see Jane's face and then we see Sue again, but now the curtain closes again.

This is a three-day competition but Vocal Adrenaline are still in their performance costumes.

When Rachel speaks to Sam in the choir room (she still has four members in Glee Club) she says she needs him to find her 7 more members, but actually she needs eight more members to reach twelve members.

When Kitty told Rachel she's in to be back in glee club, Rachel was seen holding a music sheet then she was seen put down the music sheet when she was about to hug Kitty, then in the next shot Rachel was seen holding a music sheet again during the hug.

The New Directions are able to compete, and win, without the requisite twelve members mentioned earlier in the episode.

Before and when Rachel is talking with Will, Kitty and Roderick were not seen on stage with the rest of the New Directions members.